A 38-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of an Irishman in London three days ago.

Darryn Madigan (38) of Doreen Avenue this afternoon appeared at the Old Bailey via video link, charged with one count of murder. He is accused of murdering John Martin (41), from Co Meath, in the early hours of Sunday in the suburb of Kingsbury.

The court heard that Mr Martin was returning home from a pub with his partner when the attack happened. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The prosecution told the court both men lived in neighbouring flats.

It is alleged that when Mr Martin arrived home a dispute broke out between the two men.

The court heard that it is alleged that Mr Madigan left his flat and came downstairs with a kitchen knife.

Doreen Avenue London. Picture: Google Maps

Mr Madigan was remanded in custody and he is due to stand trial on January 30, next year.

The Irish kidney donor was stabbed to death at his home.

Mr Martin had just returned from a night at a local bar with his girlfriend when he became involved in the altercation.

Reports have suggested his devastated partner witnessed the attack.

Friends in London told the Irish Daily Mail that the carpenter donated a kidney after he heard about an appeal from a woman he had never met.

He spotted the advert, was taken by her story and after having himself checked to see if he could be a match, he underwent the surgery to have one of his kidneys removed and it was donated to her, saving her life.

His parents GAA referee Noel and mother Mary, from St Mary's, Donore were last night being comforted by John's sisters Paula, Margaret and Theresa.

In the statement, issued through Meath county councillor Sharon Keogan, the Martin family confirmed that John donated a kidney last September and that, ‘he gave somebody else a chance of life and somebody else has come along and taken his life.’

They said, ‘we are extremely proud of his achievements in life and we ask the media to respect our privacy. We want now to bring John home to his family and have his burial in Donore as soon as possible.’

"We are distraught and very upset over the circumstances surrounding John’s death," the statement added.

Mr Martin moved to England nine years ago.

Cllr Sharon Keogan told Independent.ie: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family at this very tragic time in dealing with the death of their son and brother.

“I understand the Irish consulate and the police in the UK are assisting the family at this time – we hope that it’s swift.

“Donore is a very small tight-knit community and the Martin’s have been a part of that community for a very, very long time and it’s a terrible phone call for any family to take.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is providing consular assistance.